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Ukraine, U.S. Eye Peace Talks, Larger POW Exchange Ahead

2/23/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, said Ukraine and the United States may hold peace talks with Russia by the end of this week.
Budanov said the negotiations are challenging.
Budanov said a prisoner exchange may occur soon.
The next exchange could be larger than the last, which involved 157 POWs from each side.
Organizing a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents remains difficult.

History

Historical Context

The Treaty of Paris, signed on March 30, 1856, ended the Crimean War, which had pitted the Russian Empire against an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, Britain, France, and Sardinia. This treaty diminished Russian influence by demilitarizing the Black Sea and restoring territories to the Ottomans. Today, potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia reflect ongoing struggles for stability in Eastern Europe.

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Story summary

Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, said Ukraine and the United States may hold peace talks with Russia by the end of this week.
Budanov said the negotiations are challenging.
Budanov said a prisoner exchange may occur soon.
The next exchange could be larger than the last, which involved 157 POWs from each side.
Organizing a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents remains difficult.

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